We may have entered the last month of 2024 Atlantic hurricane seasonBut the tropics are showing no signs of cooling after the National Hurricane Center (NHC) designated an area of ​​disturbed weather in the Caribbean Sea as Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen.

A potential tropical cyclone (PTC) allows the NHC and other governments to issue Tropical Storm Watch and Warnings when a disturbance is not quite there tropical storm strength but is expected to get there soon, with storm impacts occurring within 36 hours.

In this case, forecasters believe that the tropical disturbance could eventually turn into a Hurricane Rafael in the coming days.

“The disturbance is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm (Monday) and pass near Jamaica (Monday evening) and Tuesday, where a tropical storm warning is in effect,” the NHC said. “The system is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by Tuesday evening and there is a risk of dangerous impacts from hurricane-force winds and storm surge in the Cayman Islands and parts of western Cuba.

WHAT TO DO WHEN WATCHES OR WARNINGS ARE ISSUED FOR YOUR CITY

What is the latest news on Potential Tropical Cyclone 18?

This graphic shows the latest potential tropical cyclone eighteen.
(FOX Weather)

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Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen, previously designated as Invest 97Lmoving north at about 7 mph in the south-central Caribbean Sea with winds of 35 mph.

After entering the Gulf of Mexico later this week, the system could bring heavy rain and gusty weather. winds has Florida and parts of Southeast WE

Alerts issued for Cayman Islands, Jamaica

Watches and Warnings for Potential Tropical Cyclone Eighteen.
(FOX Weather)

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The NHC said the system is moving north toward Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and Cuba.

Due to the threats posed by potential tropical cyclone eighteen, a Hurricane Watch is in place for the Cayman Islands and a tropical storm warning is in place for Jamaica.

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

The NHC said those with interests in Cuba and the Florida Keys should monitor the system’s progress, as hurricane or tropical storm watches may be required for those areas later Monday.

What are the forecasts for Potential Tropical Cyclone 18?

The predicted track for potential tropical cyclone eighteen.
(FOX Weather)

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Potential Tropical Storm 18 is expected to become a tropical storm Monday and pass near Jamaica later today or Monday evening. It is then expected to be near or over the Cayman Islands from Tuesday to Wednesday.

Later this week, the system is expected to approach the northern Gulf Coast as Tropical Storm Rafael. It is too early to determine what impacts will occur, but residents along the WE The Gulf Coast should stay informed.